It’s no secret Denver loves brunch. On Wednesdays we divulge the newest and best brunches around. Not only do we highlight our favorite spots for all your brunching needs, but also include lists of things you crave. So pour a mimosa, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to eat.
It’s been a while since we dived into brunch, so what better way to bring back the column than with a surprising spot on South Broadway. We’re talking about The Goldfinch, a cute cocktail bar by night, but on the weekends it’s the place to be. At least, based on the gaggles of ladies sipping mimosas and taking selfies together on a recent visit, the small venue feels that way.
Owned by hospitality veteran Iain Chisholm, who opened and closed two spots, Americatus Taverna and Dada Art Bar, The Goldfinch is his third solo business. Located in the Platt Park neighborhood, it’s tucked behind an unassuming facade facing the busy South Broadway road. While the outside might look less inviting, once inside it’s as if you’ll teleported to a swank, industrial chic bar complete with a patio, live DJ (at night), and large, padded chairs.
The six-month old spot has been dishing out tunes, cocktails, and tasty snack plates for about six months. Now, it’s added a simple brunch menu to the line up.
Eat the Menu
With The Goldfinch’s small menu, a group of four could easily eat the entire menu. In fact, only seven dishes grace the list, and the portions lean toward the smaller, European-sized side. But that doesn’t mean you won’t fill up.
Start with a hearty Cowboy Quiche ($14). For pie lovers, the flaky crust balances well with a pile of smoked brisket, aged cheddar, roasted potatoes, and Hatch green chile. Freshen up with a side of arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
Though the Diablos Rancheros ($13) offers a more moderate portion, it’s the perfect size for those who don’t want to leave brunch bloated. It comes atop a chilled yukon gold potato hash blanketed by achiote deviled eggs, blue corn chips, guajillo white bean puree, salsa verde, cilantro, jalapeno, and a sprinkling of cotija cheese. While not the hefty fare one usually sees in a huevos rancheros, it satisfies, especially with a dash of hot sauce.
Along the same lines size wise, the Breakfast Skillet ($14) covers all the food groups. Find roasted potatoes tossed with caramelized leeks, roasted crimini mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, haloumi cheese, and eggs your way. It also comes with a small kale and lemon vinaigrette salad piled on top. For those looking for a sweet brunch, the Baked French Toast ($12) features a mixed berry compote, maple syrup, and vanilla-bourbon creme anglaise.
Drink Up
Because The Goldfinch originally started as a cocktail bar with snacks, you can bet the drink program is one of the highlights. Mimosas and Bloody Mary drinks run $10, but it’s easy to wander off the traditional brunch path. For example, join the cool kids and get the bar’s version of an Espresso Martini, the Breck Speed Queen ($16). It’s a fun take on the caffeinated beverage with Breckenridge Espresso Vodka, Angostura Liqueur, espresso, and because it’s brunch, an egg white.
For another deviation, the Lady Chatterly ($16) copulates a French 75 with a spritz. Inside the craft cocktail is a romantic mixture of Botanical Gin, lemon sugar oil, Sirene Apertivo, sparkling wine, and citrus. Taste wise it’s not sweet like a new love affair, more, the cocktail tastes like something easy to drink down, with or without commitment.
Wine and one beer can also be had. Or, for those going alcohol free, a mocktail or a cup of fresh coffee proves the ticket. The latter is served hot and with a saucer, and comes with all the fixings.
Don’t Miss this Brunch Specialty
The Blue Crab and Avocado Beni ($16) was hands down the winning dish at our last brunch outing. Instead of the classic English muffin, instead the carbs come in the form of thick slices of milk bread, which also resemble Texas toast, under the goodies. The hearty squares sport ponzu and togarashi laced avocado, fresh cucumber slices, Japanese crab salad, furikake, and black tobiko.
The real stand out part of the dish came in the form of wakame salad, a lightly dressed seaweed tangle that lends the dish another layer not often seen on any breakfast item, let alone eggs Benedict. It added a green salty crunch, giving the brunch item an unusual but satisfying Asian-American twist.
While The Goldfinch won’t be a full-breakfast buffet destination, the small venue proves great for those looking to mingle with friends, nibble all morning, and have many toasts.
The Goldfinch is open for brunch Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m. 1842 S. Broadway, Denver, goldfinchdenver.com
